Changing Careers through Learning Spaces
We recently hosted a workshop with United Way Learning Spaces. We issued computers to participants upon completion of the workshop. The Diversity Cyber Council helped with their IT training and one of the participants there stood out. The participant was Nafeesah Burson, who took a CompTIA, an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills. ITF+ helps professionals to decide if a career in IT is right for them or to develop a broader understanding of IT.
Nafeesah Burson completed one hundred hours of cybersecurity and enrolled in CompTIA IT Fundamentals class to further her technical skills. She discussed wanting a career in IT and she plans to work for Google: “They have a grant for people who want to continue with their education with Google and after I apply for that grant, I will be placed on a list to work there.”
Before this class, Nafeesah felt she had limited digital skills even though she went through cybersecurity training, but now she is feeling more confident in her technical skills. She is learning how to grab attachments, build a computer, and how it’s designed. “This course allows you to access technical jobs like practitioners and analysts.” Nafeesah is thirty days into her course and is already growing in aptitude.
Inspiredu provides essential tools and resources to improve digital literal literacy. In addition to receiving a laptop and tablets for her young grandchildren, Kennedy, 7, and Layonie, 10, for their continued education, she is gaining a network. Nafeesa says the Inspiredu team goes the extra mile to make you feel a part of a community. Nafeesa thanks Director of Programs & Partnerships, Ms. Oneisha Freeman, for extending her personal help in navigating the application process and identifying the best courses for her career change.
Nafeesah currently works in security and plans to use the skills from learning spaces to change careers. Nafeesa wants to explore careers to combine her passion for healthcare and IT. She states “The new thing is to move into tech.” She is excited for the opportunity to work in technology as a peer to those who learned through a university system because of these courses.
Nafeesa's goal is to earn six figures and help her mother who is completely new to technology. She wants to help with an introductory technology program for seniors and others in need of assistance.
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